Definition
dinoflagellate
noun
- A single-celled marine organism with two flagella, belonging to the phylum Dinoflagellata; often photosynthetic and sometimes bioluminescent.
Usage: biology; marine science
Examples
- Dinoflagellates are responsible for red tides in coastal waters.
- Many dinoflagellates produce light through bioluminescence at night.
- The ocean's dinoflagellate population can bloom rapidly under certain conditions.
- Scientists study dinoflagellates to understand marine ecosystems.
- Some dinoflagellates are toxic to fish and shellfish.
- Dinoflagellates use their flagella to move through the water.